Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page: About CDC.gov.

ToxFAQs™ for 1,1-Dichloroethane

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about 1,1-dichloroethane. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

Highlights

Exposure to 1,1-dichloroethane occurs mainly from eating contaminated food, but may also occur from skin contact, breathing contaminated air, or drinking contaminated water. 1,1-Dichloroethane affects the function of the nervous system. 1,1-Dichloroethane has been found in at least 673 of the 1,699 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is 1,1-dichloroethane?

1,1-Dichloroethane is a colorless, oily liquid with a sweet odor. It evaporates easily at room temperature and burns easily. It does not occur naturally in the environment.

1,1-Dichloroethane is used mostly as an intermediate in the manufacture of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCE). It is also used in limited amount as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing, and in the manufacture of plastic wrap, adhesives, and synthetic fiber..

How can 1,1-dichloroethane affect my health?

High levels of 1,1-dichloroethane that cause anesthesia can cause irregular heartbeats, which is why its use as a surgical anesthetic was discontinued.

Kidney effects have been observed in cats exposed to 1,1 dichloroethane in air for long periods. However, kidney effects have not been observed in other animal species following long-term inhalation or oral exposure..

How likely is 1,1-dichloroethane to cause cancer?

A study in rats and mice found suggestive evidence that 1,1-dichloroethane may cause cancer. However, the study had several flaws and the results are not conclusive. Another long-term study in mice drinking water containing 1,1-dichloroethane did not find cancer.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have not evaluated the carcinogenic potential of 1,1-dichloroethane. The EPA has determined that 1,1-dichloroethane is a possible human carcinogen.

How can 1,1-dichloroethane affect children?

There are no data that describe the effects of exposure to 1,1-dichloroethane on children or young animals. Although it is likely that children would show the same health effects as adults, we don't know whether children are more susceptible than are adults to 1,1-dichloroethane effects.

We do not know whether 1,1-dichloroethane can produce birth defects in humans. Minor skeletal problems were observed in the fetuses of rats breathing 1,1-dichloro-ethane; decreases in body weight were also observed in the mothers.

Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to 1,1-dichloroethane?

1,1-Dichloroethane and its breakdown products (metabolites) can be measured in blood and urine. But the detection of 1,1-dichoroethane or its metabolites cannot predict the kind of health effects that might develop from that exposure. Because 1,1-dichloroethane and its metabolites leave the body fairly rapidly, the tests need to be conducted within days after exposure. These tests are not available at most doctor's offices, but can be done at a special laboratory.

References

This ToxFAQs™ information is taken from the 2015 Toxicological Profile for 1,1 Dichloroethane produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA.

ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in
recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.

Information line and technical assistance:
Phone: 888-422-8737

To order toxicological profiles, contact:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Phone: 800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000

Disclaimer
Some PDF files may be electronic conversions from paper copy or other electronic ASCII text files. This conversion may have resulted in character translation or format errors. Users are referred to the original paper copy of the toxicological profile for the official text, figures, and tables. Original paper copies can be obtained via the directions on the toxicological profile home page, which also contains other important information about the profiles.

The information contained here was correct at the time of publication. Please check with the appropriate agency for any changes to the regulations or guidelines cited.